Zoloft is an antidepressant drug used to treat a range of mental illness conditions including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, some severe premenstrual disorders, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) among other things. The drug falls into the category of SSRI treatments (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) which are believed to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders by increasing the available level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for the regulation of moods, in the brain. The drug is widely effective in the treatment of mental disorders although patients prescribed this treatment need careful monitoring in the early days of treatment.
Occasionally patients prescribed this treatment will find themselves entertaining thoughts of self harm or suicide and will need reassessing by their doctor immediately. Things to watch out for include; impulsive behavior, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, or a worsening depression. Patients who have been prescribed this antidepressant should be watched closely and should consult with their physician in the event that they experience any new symptoms or a deterioration of their existing condition. Zoloft is a useful drug when prescribed as intended, however it is recognized that this treatment can cause an initial worsening in the symptoms of some depressive disorders when first taken, meaning that this course of treatment must be approached with caution.
Unfortunately, that also means they are caught unaware when they realize they have little to no coverage for their condition. Patients are blissful unaware of what illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions they ultimately find themselves diagnosed as having. This is commonly the case with many chronic conditions such as psychological health disorders, cancer, and other high risk health problems. Likewise, most do not know the terms of any psychological health insurance coverage they do carry. Unfortunately, when a patient requires treatment for anxiety with medications like Xanax, they may not even know whether their health insurance plan covers mental health care.
While Zoloft is a commonly prescribed antidepressant it is not a suitable drug treatment for everyone suffering from the mental symptoms and disorders listed above. Zoloft should not be taken in conjunction with another common and powerful antidepressant drug called MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) nor with the drugs tranylcypromine sold as Parnate, phenelzine sold as Nardil, rasagiline sold as Azilect or selegiline sold as Eldepryl and Emsam as combining this antidepressant with any of these can have fatal consequences. Women who are pregnant or trying for a baby should consult with their doctor if they are being treated with Zoloft. Women already taking Zoloft should not stop taking their medication without speaking to their doctor, even if they discover they are pregnant.
If you cannot find a group plan, try to find an individual insurance plan that does not treat depression as a pre-existing condition and that provides adequate coverage. This type of company does exist, but you might have to do some research. These plans take anyone who qualifies and do not include pre-existing condition exclusion periods. The best option is to enroll in some sort of group plan, such as an employer-sponsored health insurance package. Although many insurance companies shy away from providing mental health coverage, you can still find a good insurance plan if you spend some time looking.
Sean L Johnson is a journalist for Health Insurance Buyer a referral service that connects consumers to the insurance carriers that can best fit their wants or special needs. Click on link to access your free quote for health insurance from Top Rated PPOs that cover Mental Illness
